Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation. Whether you’re an adult seeking relief from arthritis or a concerned parent looking for guidance on pediatric dosages, we’ve got you covered. Naproxen comes in various forms and strengths, including tablets, liquid suspensions, and more, ensuring flexibility in administration.
Moreover, we’ll also explore special medical categories, such as dosages for elderly patients, those with certain medical conditions, and pregnant individuals, to ensure safe and informed usage.
Naproxen Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoarthritis
In the context of dosing recommendations, the prescribed intake of Naproxen varies based on the formulation and release type:
- Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension: Patients are typically advised to take a dosage of 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally, twice a day.
- Controlled Release: For controlled release tablets, the standard dosage is 750 mg to 1000 mg orally, once a day.
- Delayed Release: When it comes to delayed release formulations, the recommended dosage is 375 mg to 500 mg orally, twice a day.
It’s important to consider that in certain situations where patients require higher levels of anti-inflammatory or analgesic activity, the dosage may be increased to 1500 mg orally, once a day, but this should be limited to a period of up to 6 months, and the potential for increased risk of adverse events must be weighed against the clinical benefit.
Typically, symptomatic improvement in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis can be observed within the first week of treatment, although therapeutic benefits may require up to 2 weeks of consistent medication. These dosing recommendations are intended for the relief of the signs and symptoms associated with these specific conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing guidance and to ensure the best approach for your specific medical needs.
| Condition | Immediate Release Tablets/Suspension | Controlled Release | Delayed Release |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day | 750 mg to 1000 mg orally once a day | – |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day | 750 mg to 1000 mg orally once a day | 375 mg to 500 mg orally twice a day |
| Osteoarthritis | 250 mg to 500 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg to 550 mg (naproxen sodium) orally twice a day | 750 mg to 1000 mg orally once a day | 375 mg to 500 mg orally twice a day |
Naproxen Adult Dose for Acute Gout
For the treatment of an acute gout attack, the recommended dosing varies depending on the formulation and release type:
Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension
The initial dose comprises 750 mg (naproxen) or 825 mg (naproxen sodium), taken orally once on the first day of the attack. Subsequent to the initial dose, the recommended regimen involves 250 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) taken orally every 8 hours until the gout attack subsides.
Controlled Release
Alternatively, for controlled release tablets, the suggested approach begins with a higher initial dose of 1000 mg to 1500 mg, taken orally once on the first day of the gout attack. This is followed by a maintenance dose of 1000 mg, taken orally once a day, until the attack subsides.
It’s important to note that delayed release tablets (EC-Naprosyn[R]) are not advised due to their delayed absorption, which may not be suitable for the treatment of an acute gout attack.
These dosing recommendations are specifically intended for the relief of acute gout attacks. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing guidance to effectively manage your condition.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses |
| Immediate Release Tablets/Suspension | 750 mg (naproxen) or 825 mg (naproxen sodium) orally once on the first day of an attack | 250 mg (naproxen) or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) orally every 8 hours until the attack subsides |
| Controlled Release | 1000 mg to 1500 mg orally once on the first day of an attack | 1000 mg orally once a day until the attack subsides |
Naproxen Adult Dose for Bursitis and Tendonitis
In the case of Immediate Release Naproxen Sodium, the recommended dosing regimen starts with a single oral intake of 550 mg, followed by subsequent doses of 275 mg every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg every 12 hours as necessary. It’s essential to adhere to the specified maximum dosage limits: initially, the total daily dose should not surpass 1375 mg, and following the initial phase, it should not exceed 1100 mg per day.
Regarding the use of Naproxen (Naprosyn[R]), it’s important to note that this medication may also be considered for treatment. However, it’s advisable to avoid the use of delayed release tablets (EC-Naprosyn[R]) for the initial management of acute pain due to their delayed absorption properties.
For Controlled Release Naproxen, the standard dosage is 1000 mg taken orally once a day. In situations where patients require additional pain relief, there is the option to increase the dosage to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time. After this initial adjustment, it is essential to ensure that the total daily dose does not exceed 1000 mg per day.
These dosing recommendations are specifically intended for the relief of signs and symptoms associated with bursitis and tendinitis. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing guidance and to ensure the most appropriate approach for addressing your specific medical needs remains consistent.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses | Maximum Daily Dose |
| Immediate Release (Naproxen Sodium) | 550 mg orally once, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as needed | Initial total daily dose not to exceed 1375 mg; thereafter, not to exceed 1100 mg/day | 1100 mg/day |
| Controlled Release | 1000 mg orally once a day | For patients requiring additional analgesia, may increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time; thereafter, total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg/day | 1000 mg/day |
Naproxen Adult Dose for Dysmenorrhea
For the management of primary dysmenorrhea in adults, the recommended dosing for Naproxen varies based on the formulation. Immediate Release Naproxen Sodium is typically initiated at 550 mg orally, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as needed, with an initial maximum daily dose not to exceed 1375 mg and subsequently not to exceed 1100 mg per day. It’s important to note that while Naproxen (Naprosyn[R]) is a suitable alternative, delayed release tablets (EC-Naprosyn[R]) are not advised for the initial treatment of acute pain due to their delayed absorption. On the other hand, Controlled Release Naproxen is typically taken at 1000 mg orally once a day, with the option to increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for patients requiring additional analgesia for a limited time, while ensuring the total daily dose does not exceed 1000 mg per day.
For over-the-counter use, 220 mg of Naproxen can be taken orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist, with the option to take 440 mg once in the first hour if needed, but the maximum dose should not exceed 440 mg within any 8 to 12 hour period or 660 mg in any 24 hour period. These dosing guidelines are intended to effectively manage the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, and consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable for personalized dosing guidance.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses | Maximum Daily Dose |
| Immediate Release (Naproxen Sodium) | 550 mg orally once, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as needed | 1375 mg/day initial total daily dose; thereafter, not to exceed 1100 mg/day | 1100 mg/day |
| Controlled Release | 1000 mg orally once a day | For patients requiring additional analgesia, may increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time; thereafter, total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg/day | 1000 mg/day |
| Over the Counter | 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist | May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed | Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12 hour period); 660 mg (in any 24 hour period) |
Naproxen Adult Dose for Pain
For the alleviation of mild to moderate pain in adults, the recommended dosing for Naproxen, particularly the immediate release (naproxen sodium) formulation, involves an initial intake of 550 mg orally, followed by subsequent doses of 275 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as needed. It’s essential to adhere to the maximum dose guidelines, which suggest an initial total daily dose not exceeding 1375 mg and thereafter maintaining it below 1100 mg per day.
It’s worth noting that while Naproxen (Naprosyn[R]) is a suitable alternative, delayed release tablets (EC-Naprosyn[R]) are not recommended for the initial treatment of acute pain due to their delayed absorption characteristics. For controlled release, the standard dosage is 1000 mg orally once a day, with the option to increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for patients requiring additional pain relief for a limited period, ensuring that the total daily dose does not surpass 1000 mg.
For over-the-counter use, the guideline suggests 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist, with the possibility of taking 440 mg orally within the first hour if necessary. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the maximum dose limitations of 440 mg in any 8 to 12-hour period or 660 mg in any 24-hour period. These dosing instructions are specifically designed to effectively address mild to moderate pain, and it’s advisable to follow these guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing recommendations or for addressing specific medical concerns.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses | Maximum Daily Dose |
| Immediate Release (Naproxen Sodium) | 550 mg orally once, followed by 275 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours or 550 mg orally every 12 hours as needed | 1375 mg/day initial total daily dose; thereafter, not to exceed 1100 mg/day | 1100 mg/day |
| Controlled Release | 1000 mg orally once a day | For patients requiring additional analgesia, may increase to 1500 mg orally once a day for a limited time; thereafter, total daily dose should not exceed 1000 mg/day | 1000 mg/day |
| Over the Counter | 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist | May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed | Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12 hour period); 660 mg (in any 24 hour period) |
Naproxen Adult Dose for Fever
For the temporary reduction of fever, the recommended dosing for Naproxen when available over the counter is as follows: You can initially take 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while fever symptoms persist. If necessary, within the first hour, you may choose to take a higher dosage of 440 mg orally. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the maximum dose limitations, which dictate that you should not exceed 440 mg in any 8 to 12-hour period or 660 mg in any 24-hour period.
These guidelines are designed to ensure the safe and effective use of Naproxen for reducing fever, and it’s advisable to follow these instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or specific medical needs.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses | Maximum Daily Dose |
| Over the Counter | 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist | May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed | Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12 hour period); 660 mg (in any 24 hour period) |
Naproxen Pediatric Dose for Pain and Fever
For children aged 12 years or older, the recommended dosing of Naproxen when available over the counter involves taking 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist. If necessary, within the first hour, they may opt to take a higher dose of 440 mg orally. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the maximum dose limitations, which stipulate that one should not exceed 440 mg within any 8 to 12-hour period or 660 mg within any 24-hour period. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safe and effective use of Naproxen for the relief of minor aches and pains and for the temporary reduction of fever in children aged 12 years and older. It is advisable to follow these instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or specific medical concerns.
| Formulation | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses | Maximum Daily Dose |
| Over the Counter | 220 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms persist | May take 440 mg orally once in the first hour if needed | Maximum dose: 440 mg (in any 8 to 12-hour period); 660 mg (in any 24-hour period) |
Naproxen Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
For the management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older, the standard dosing involves administering 5 mg per kilogram of body weight orally, twice a day, utilizing either immediate-release tablets or suspension. It’s important to highlight that the oral suspension is the recommended choice due to its adaptability in tailoring the dose according to the patient’s weight, ensuring precise dosing. However, it’s crucial to be aware that the delayed-release formulation has not been studied in patients under the age of 18. These dosing guidelines are specifically designed to provide relief from the signs and symptoms associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in pediatric patients. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the correct dosing and address any specific medical concerns related to this condition.
| Formulation | Age Group | Dosage |
| Immediate Release Tablets and Suspension | 2 years or older | 5 mg/kg orally twice a day |
Renal Dose Adjustments
When it comes to renal dose adjustments, it’s important to exercise caution in cases of mild renal dysfunction, and consider using lower doses to ensure safe and effective treatment. However, for individuals with moderate to severe renal dysfunction, it is not recommended to use this medication due to the potential risks associated with impaired renal function. Careful consideration and appropriate dosing are essential to protect the well-being of patients with varying degrees of renal function.
Liver Dose Adjustments
While specific guidelines for dose adjustments in patients with liver dysfunction are not available, it is prudent to exercise caution and consider potential dose modifications when necessary. Individuals who exhibit abnormal liver test results or present with signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction should undergo a thorough evaluation to assess hepatic issues. In cases where liver disease develops or if systemic manifestations like eosinophilia or rash become apparent, discontinuing the use of this medication is recommended to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being.
Administration Advice
Take it orally with a full glass of water and consider taking it with food or milk if you experience stomach upset.
For Oral suspension
For the oral suspension, be sure to shake it gently before use, and use the dosing device provided for accurate measurements.
For Controlled and Delayed Release Tablets
When it comes to controlled and delayed release tablets, do not break, crush, or chew them to maintain their intended effect and ensure proper administration.
